Call to protect rare animal species in state

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, asked officials to take steps to protect the states unique cattle species like Ongole bull, Punganur cow, Nellore sheep, besides other rare birds and animals found in the forests of Chittoor and Anantapur districts. 

He stressed the need to take the concept of biodiversity to schools, colleges, farmers, tribals and villages. He also wanted the plantation of medicinal and aromatic plants to be taken up, according to a release issued by the chief minister's office in Hyderabad on Thursday. 

Andhra Pradesh is endowed with a rich biodiversity of plants and animals. There are 103 species of mammals, 365 species of birds, 78 species of reptiles, 21 species of amphibians 901 species of fishes and 3150 species of plants. 

The government created a network-integrated protected system covering four biotic provinces with 6 national parks, 21 wildlife sanctuaries, a biosphere reserve all spread over 13,000 sq km of forest area, the release said. 

The chief ninister was informed that about 1220 delegates from 164 countries participated in the biodiversity convention held here in the last four days. Special chief secretary, in-charge of Environment and Forests M Samuel and other top officials attended the meeting. 

PTI